Batam is a wonderful weekend getaway idea from Singapore. It is only a 55-minute ferry ride away and there are lots to explore and experience in that Indonesian island.

Batam is actually home to a number of resorts so beautiful that they will take your breath away. Here are 7 Resorts in Batam to stay at for a relaxing weekend getaway, where you can destress and unwind from a hectic work week.   

Photo Credit: Batam View

#1 BATAM VIEW BEACH RESORT

Batam View Beach Resort remains as one of the top accommodations along the Nongsa stretch that offers travellers the perfect balance between affordability and quality.

Relax in one of their popular villa rooms that provides a panoramic view of the glistening sea from the balcony alongside the soothing sounds of the crashing waves. Rejuvenate your weary soul with their in-house spa and sauna services that will guarantee to take some stress off those stiff shoulders.

Photo Credit: Tropical Island Getaways

For those seeking an adventure, this resort offers nearly every water sport you can think of, including wakeboarding and snorkeling. For golf enthusiasts, you can head down to one of the nearby golf courses, the nearest being Palm Springs, for some good quality action.

Batam View Beach Resort 
Jalan Hang Lekir Nongsa, Sambau, Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 761 746

Photo Credit: Desindo Batam

#2 HARRIS RESORT WATERFRONT BATAM

As a one-stop resort destination, the exuberant and youthful character of Harris Resort Waterfront Batam is reflected by its service staff decked in their orange brand colour and the myriad of colours on the hotel’s exterior.

The standard room may come across as a little underwhelming, but its themed Japanese room with its tatami designs and lantern lighting fixture makes for a lovely feel and experience. Satellite television and in-house movies come as standard while the more premium rooms come with a private balcony and even a kitchenette.

As with other resorts, there are a wealth of outdoor activities that includes cable-skiing, paintball and the flying fox. Their pride and joy would have to be their giant free-form swimming pool and jacuzzi, which is in fact the largest on the island.

HARRIS Resort Waterfront Batam
Jl.KH.Ahmad Dahlan, Tj. Riau, Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29425, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 381 888

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

#3 KTM RESORT BATAM

KTM Resort Batam boasts villas that cater to both couples and family holiday-goers with its rustic decor and an uninterrupted view of the sea that would leave you in a trance.

Your journey to revert to your original, energetic form starts with the Javanese spa treatment to rebalance your bodies and minds. Following which, you can indulge yourself in a BBQ session to satisfy your deepest and most sinful cravings.

Photo Credit: Agoda

The resort also offers the best of both worlds. Those who love the tranquillity and calmness of the sea can try a hand at reeling in one of their own catch of the day at the fishing deck. On the contrary, millennials who prefer something a tad more heart racing can opt for activities such as paintball or watersports.

KTM Resort Batam 
JL. Kolonel Soegiono Tanjung Pinggir, Tj. Pinggir, Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 323 700

Photo Credit: Montigo Resorts

#4 MONTIGO RESORTS, NONGSA

The contemporary and minimalistic facade of Montigo Resorts invokes a quintessentially Greek vibe that is evidently popular among Singaporeans. The architectural pleasing white buildings beautifully contrast with the azure blue Nongsa waters amidst the surrounding beach landscapes.

The biggest pull factor for most people looking at Montigo Resorts as a dream home away from home would have to be the Mediterranean-inspired decor. The perfect blend of nature and luxury living is incorporated into each and every villa with the use of natural materials and the unmistakable shocker for most: a private pool with stunning views of the sea.

Photo Credit: Montigo Resorts

Take a leisurely sunset cruise or perhaps a romantic vintage car tour of the nearby heritage village to soak in what Batam has to offer.

For the visiting lovebirds, you would be glad to know that out of the range of dining options available to guests, you can do private dining by the beach with romantic candle lights.

Montigo Resorts, Nongsa
Jalan Hang Lekir Nongsa, Sambau, Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 776 8888

Photo Credit: Top Indonesia Holidays

#5 TELUNAS BEACH RESORT

Find respite and deep relaxation at Telunas Beach Resort’ homely villas on stilts—reminiscent of the kampong villages in old Singapore. The private escape promises a distraction-free, slower pace of life as you sip on one of their handcrafted drinks while relaxing on a hammock.

The sea villas are a humongous 90m² and are filled with all the amenities you would need to satisfy all the needs of the modern day traveller. You might gasp at the fact that there is no air-conditioning in the rooms, but you would be pleasantly surprised by the natural cooling from the sea below.

Photo Credit: Expat Living

Although there are limited activities here as compared to other resorts, they still spot a free-form swimming pool as well as beach and water activities upon request.

As their slogan suggests, “there is no better time to start making memories”, and we are inclined to believe that this is the resort to embark on that cause for you and your loved ones.

Telunas Beach Resort
Pulau Sugi, Desa Mentangun, Kecamatan Moro, Sugie, Karimun, Kabupaten Karimun, Kepulauan Riau 29462, Indonesia
Tel: +62 811 771 0951

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

#6 TEMPAT SENANG SPA RESORT & RESTAURANT

Like a scene from the Prince of Persia or Arabian Nights, the interior decor of the rooms at Tempat Senang Spa Resort screams opulence and luxury at every corner.

The moment you lay eyes on the room when you open the door, the beautifully patterned rug, satin white bedframe curtains, and the royal maroonish red sheets with golden threads combine to give a memorable visual feast.

Photo Credit: Bed And Breakfast

Beyond the breathtaking room that would ensure hours of sweet dreams, the Arabian-inspired theme continues to their outdoor pools, which provide a fully immersive experience for guests. Other activities available for guests would be the spa services that use the perfect blend of essential oils to evoke your senses.

Tempat Senang Spa Resort & Restaurant 
KK Indah Puri Kav No.15, Patam Lestari, Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29400, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 325 616

Photo Credit: Hotel Resort Plus

#7 TURI BEACH RESORT

Set on 7.7 hectares of beautiful greenery of the Nongsa tropical forestry, the Turi beach Resort features a modern yet minimalistic accommodation that gives guests the perfect sea view from dawn till dusk.

The contemporary wooden timbre design cottages come with a private balcony; the premium suites come with a private bathroom that includes a lavish jacuzzi for a spa-inspired bathing experience.

Photo Credit: Late Stays

The adjacent blue sea makes for the perfect opportunity for you to have a hand at activities such as parasailing, flyboarding, or canoeing—some of which are not offered elsewhere. If you prefer dry land activities, an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) experience will ensure hours of muddy fun as you zoom across bumps and puddles.

Turi Beach Resort
Jl. Hang Lekiu, Sambau, Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 761 080

About the writer: A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

With growing consumer demands and airlines offering competitive pricing for airplane tickets, it is not surprising that Singaporeans are jetting off for a short holiday every now and then.

Long weekends are the best for short trips to a neighbouring country and it is never too early to start planning! The release of 2018′s long weekends by the Ministry of Manpower had most Singaporeans groaning in dismay that there will only be four official long weekends next year.

In this guide, we share with you the best places to go during the four official long weekends in Singapore and how you can plan your off days to extend the number of long weekends in 2018.

OVERVIEW OF SINGAPORE’S LONG WEEKENDS IN 2018

#1 New Year – 31 Dec 2017 to 01 Jan 2018 (Sat to Mon)
#2 Chinese New Year – 16 Feb 2018 to 18 Feb 2017 (Fri to Sun)
#3 Good Friday – 30 Mar to 01 Apr (Fri to Sun)
#4 Hari Raya Puasa – 15 June to 17 June (Fri to Sun)

#1 NEW YEAR – BALI

Join in the most happening parties in Bali during the annual countdown! Kuta beach is where most people who are traveling to Bali would be spending their New Year’s Eve and the place is so popular that the police would even organise road closures just to accommodate the crowd.

If you are keen to know what more Bali has to offer, read our destination guide here.

#2 CHINESE NEW YEAR - BANGKOK

One of the most talked about events lately is the banning of Bangkok’s street food stalls. Although we love Bangkok for its wonderful street food and night markets, there is actually more to do in Bangkok than that.

The city boasts amazing rooftop bars, cheap massage parlours and who can forget about the fantastic retail experience too? If you are into cafe hopping, here is the ultimate guide to 28 Best Bangkok Cafes—ranging from popular cafes to up-and-coming concept coffee shops.

#3 GOOD FRIDAY – HONG KONG

There is something for everyone in Hong Kong and the attractions are never-ending. Hike up Victoria Peak and be rewarded with a panoramic view of Hong Kong; spam pictures at Avenue of Stars; visit the museums and more.

Then there is also the dim sum, roast goose, egg tarts, pineapple buns…

#4 HARI RAYA PUASA – BINTAN

It is always a good idea to take a break in the middle of the year and recharge. If you are looking for somewhere you can laze your days away, Bintan is where you should be heading to.

Just looking at pictures of the pristine beaches is enough to tempt us into booking that air ticket right now. Those who are adventurous enough can also try out surfing, riding an ATV and dip into the sea for a snorkeling session with your friends.

WHEN TO TAKE LEAVE TO MAKE IT A LONG WEEKEND

Before you despair that we only have four long weekends in 2018, we would just like to highlight that four other public holidays fall on Tuesdays and one on Thursday. These are the public holidays days you can plan to take a day off before or after to make it a long weekend:

#1 Labour Day (01 May 2018, Tuesday)
#2 Vesak Day (29 May 2018, Tuesday)
#3 National Day (09 Aug 2018, Thursday)
#4 Deepavali (06 Nov 2018, Tuesday)
#5 Christmas (25 Dec 2018, Tuesday)

Need a break from the city life in Singapore? We feel you. Living in a fast-paced environment such as Singapore would mean that many of us crave a getaway for a good rest.

Even so, not many of us have the luxury of taking time off for travel as and when we desire due to different commitments.

If you are looking for a fuss-free day trip without the hassle of having to change your currency and bringing your passport, here are 8 Islands You Can Explore Without Travelling Out Of Singapore.

#1 CONEY ISLAND PARK

Pulau Serangoon, or better known as Coney Island Park, is slightly off Punggol and you can get to the West entrance of the island by walking along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk.

It is currently a favourite spot among cyclists! If this is your first time going to Coney Island Park, do take note that the park closes at 7pm as no lighting is provided in this eco-friendly island.

Photo Credit: Erich Chew

#2 KEPPEL ISLAND

Admire the lineup of super yachts in the day and sip on wine at Privé Cafe by night at Keppel Bay which is located on Keppel Island. The breathtaking view makes it a romantic destination for couples on a date.

Walk across Keppel Bay Bridge, which links Keppel Island to the mainland.

Photo Credit: Breathing Asia, Living Singapore

#3 KUSU ISLAND

The story behind Kusu Island will have you intrigued about the place before you even head there. Devotees of Tua Pek Kong believe that the deity transformed a tortoise into Kusu Island, which translates to “tortoise island”.

Visit the tortoise sanctuary, play beach volleyball on the beach shores or dip into the lagoons of Kusu Island. You can take a ferry from Marina South Pier.

Photo Credit: Desi Expat

#4 LAZARUS ISLAND

Looking for a white sand beach with glistening waters sans the crowd? You will get all that at Lazarus Island! Sounds too good to be true? Visit the island in the morning for a picnic and you can see its beauty for yourself.

By the way, you can walk to Lazarus Island from Saint John’s Island so that’s two islands off your checklist!

Photo Credit: awesomepics.sg

#5 PULAU SEMAKAU

Don’t be taken aback when we tell you that this is a landfill site because that only takes up the eastern side of the island. Recent developments of Pulau Semakau has made it a tourist friendly area for those who love nature.

Look forward to thriving mangrove habitats and a coral population. Those who are interested can even learn more at the coral nursery. Book a tour with NEA beforehand!

#6 PULAU UBIN

One of the most visited offshore islands of Singapore, Pulau Ubin needs no introduction. Rent a bicycle there and challenge the uneven terrains which are a notch higher than what you can find at East Coast Park or Sentosa.

Other leisure activities to do there are kayaking, climbing the 20-metre tall Jejawi Tower and a chalet vacation with your buddies.

You have to take a boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Photo Credit: SG Asia City

#7 SAINT JOHN’S ISLAND

Started off as a rehabilitation centre for opium addicts, today’s St John’s Island is a must-visit for many Singaporeans and even tourists. The island is home to clean lagoons, beaches, routes for trekking and soccer fields.

There are bungalow chalets where you can have a barbeque gathering together for up to 60 people. Hop onto a ferry from Marina South Pier to get there.

Photo Credit: The Straits Times

#8 SISTERS’ ISLANDS

It has been said that two sisters who drowned in the storm were never found but at where they were last seen are two islands which stand till today—no surprises for guessing which islands they are referring to.

That aside, snorkelling enthusiasts have another place to add on to their list. Witness rich diversities of coral reefs, giant clams, sea horses and more! If that’s not your thing, you can opt for a guided tour with NParks instead.

Get onto a ferry from Marina South Pier which will take you to Sisters’ Islands.

Are you one who prefer travelling off the beaten track, or you simply want to avoid the touristy areas altogether? We feel you.

Sometimes, we just don’t want to be in a(nother) city when we take a holiday. Think pristine waters, untouched beaches, lush greenery, and the list goes on. In Malaysia, there are actually many islands and underrated attractions that are like that – all waiting to be discovered, as long as you are willing to take the trip.

From Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Laut Island Resort to The Perhentian Islands, here are 8 Most Underrated Getaways in Malaysia every traveller should add to his/her bucket list.

Source: Wikipedia

#1 CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands is a scenic paradise. Its high altitude has blessed the district with a cool climate, mostly under 20 degree Celsius – hence providing Malaysians and other travellers a quick escapade from Southeast Asia’s unbearable heat.

Spanning across 712 square kilometers, the tranquil area is characterized by extensive tea plantations and lush greenery. The Strawberry Farm has to be in your itinerary too.

Source: Rizwan

#2 CHINI LAKE

Malaysia’s second largest natural freshwater lake, Chini Lake, comprises 13 unique water bodies and these waters are home to a few hundred species of flora and fauna. The lake is located near Pahang River and is best visited during August and September when thousands of pink and white water lilies emerge.

Source: Go Asia Plus

#3 GAYA ISLAND

Perched high above the grounds and nestled in lush tropical forests, Gaya Island Resort is the ultimate retreat for all tired souls and adventure seekers alike. Partake in thrilling water sports or simply immerse yourselves in nature. The stunning island is only a 10-minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Source: Jones Around The World

#4 KAPAS ISLAND

Disconnect to connect; that’s the essence of a holiday. Consider Kapas Island aka Pulau Kapas, a tiny island famous for their gorgeous white beaches and absence of ATMs. Measuring only two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, choice of accommodation is scarce but it is a great place to snorkel, sunbathe and dive.

Source: Kuching

#5 KUCHING

Kuching is a far cry from its sister cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, but certainly does not pale in comparison. The capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo boasts an eclectic mix of colonial landmarks and modern buildings. Do drop by the century-old Sarawak Museum and Chinese History Museum.

Source: Luxurious Magazines

#6 PANGKOR LAUT RESORT

Pangkor Laut Island can be found three kilometers along Malaysia’s West Coast. Conde Nast Traveller has coined the private island resort as ‘Number One in The World. Join an island excursion, indulge in a spa retreat or dine at the world-famous Emerald Bay.

Source: Jollence Lee Photo

#7 PORING HOT SPRING

Situated 25 miles away from UNESCO World Heritage listed Kinabalu Park’s headquarters is Poring Hot Springs, a natural hot spring attraction open daily from 7am to 6pm. Check out the Poring Canopy Walkway and Rafflesia Flower Site while you are at it. Do also remember to bring along slippers, towel and swimwear etc.

Source: Kilroy

#8 THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

The Perhentian Islands is a group of atolls in West Malaysia’s northeastern coast. Glistening turquoise waters, spellbindingly beautiful sunsets and whatnot; these should be enough to tempt. Most of these islets remain largely untouched and holidaymakers can expect an unrivalled pristine experience. Unwind in serenity or join the other scuba divers.

From its sunny shores and beautiful beaches to stunning ocean-view resorts and excellent restaurants, it is understandable why Bali is one of the most popular destinations in the region, and people keep returning to this island that is getting better and better with new swanky hotels and cool and stylish restaurants.

If you are planning to head to Bali in the near future, we have sussed out four fabulous hotels and resorts for a romantic retreat in Bali.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

The luxurious and spacious oceanfront villas at Four Seasons in Jimbaran Bay is the destination if you are looking for a little privacy, and to escape away from the world.

Tucked at the end of Jimbaran Bay, this is one of Bali’s most idyllic and exclusive hideaway resorts. Each villa comes with a private plunge pool and has an amazing view of the ocean. It is the kind of place that leaves you feeling fulfilled even without doing anything. But if you are the sort who cannot bum around for long, there are plenty of daily activities lined up by the resort. From joining morning yoga classes to partaking in a Balinese-style cooking class organised by the hotel’s chefs, and enjoying a selection of spa treatments in an open-air bale at the edge of the ocean – you need not worry about being bored at Four Seasons Resort Bali.

Not to mention that the coolest beachfront restaurant in Jimbaran can be found at Sundara, which combines exquisite cuisine with a relaxed beach-club vibe. It offers an unobstructed view of the sunset while enjoying their signature passionfruit mojito.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Kuta Selatan
Jimbaran Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 701010

Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran Hotel

Jimbaran Bay is synonymous with the most delicious and freshest seafood, and if you are planning to head there for a seafood feast, stay at Le Meridien Bali Hotel, which is located right across the stretch of popular seafood restaurants by the beach.

It is a contemporary and artsy hotel that encourages guests to be creative and discover new inspirations. Some of the features of the six-month old hotel include the saltwater lagoon pool, sunset cocktail at Smoqee Lounge and Sky Bar, Pan-Asian cuisine with a Balinese twist at Bamboo Chic, and a stunning rooftop pavilion which is a great venue for special events like birthday parties and wedding solemnisations.

Le Meridien Hotel is also notably kids-friendly. Parents can also drop their kids off at J Kids Club, where the well-trained and friendly staff will supervise and play with the kids while the adults get some alone time with each other.  Another good thing about staying at the hotel is its proximity to the airport. On a good traffic day, it takes only 10 minutes from the hotel to the airport.

Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran
Jalan Bukit Permai
Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 8466888

http://lemeridienbalijimbaran.com/

The Stones Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott

The Stones Hotel in Legian is the first Autograph Collection hotel in Asia to be managed by Marriott. It sits on the strip of Legian, which is a stone’s throw away from Kuta, and also a short drive to Seminyak.

In the day, The Stones is a beach resort where you can hang out and frolic under the sun with some ice cold beer. It is so easy to just spend a day at the beautiful blue-tiled lagoon pool, or laze by the hammocks and be lost in your favorite book. At night, the hotel transforms into a sexy party scene, with dim and romantic lighting and chic lounge music.

The Stones Hotel combines a super convenient location, modern design with a sexy vibe, and good F&B establishments to provide a complete experience. It is the perfect place for travellers to retreat after surfing at the beach, or after a night of partying.

The Stones Hotel, Autograph Collection
Jalan Raya Pantai Kuta
Banjar Legian Kelod, Indonesia
Tel: + 62 361 300 5888

W Retreat & Spa Bali

W Hotel is the IT place to stay in Bali. It has that “X-factor” that cannot be replicated and this is why everyone — from well-heeled travellers, to love-struck couples seeking a romantic spa retreat, and families on their annual vacation — goes to W Hotel when they are in Seminyak.

The restaurants and bars in the property are effortlessly chic and attribute to the whole W experience. Party-goers head to Woo Bar, undisputedly one of the hippest bars in Bali. Starfish Bloo – the hotel’s signature restaurant and seaside beach club – serves Pan-Asian cuisine in a classy and stylish setting. Fire is a casual grill restaurant that boasts a stunning interior, and contrary to its name, it makes you feel cool just by dining there. And of course, it is a must to go for a spa session at W’s iconic and world-famous AWAY spa.

The irresistible charm and the impeccable service of W Retreat & Spa Bali make it all too difficult to get out of the resort. Once you are there, you will never want to leave.

W Retreat & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Seminyak
Denpasar Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 4738106

This guide on weekend getaways from Singapore was last updated on 1 July 2014.

One of the best things about being in Singapore is that it’s just a few hours away from many amazing cities in the region. If you are planning for a short weekend getaway, here are the Top 10 travel destinations where you can go for cheap shopping, good food, or a relaxed beach holiday.

SAIGON, VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – commonly known as Saigon – is the largest city in Vietnam. While Saigon isn’t as well-known as Bangkok, it offers a very different experience. We were amazed by how the street food vendors can serve food – that is fresh, and delicious – from their tiny portable kitchens.

Read our Travel guide to Ho Chi Minh City.

BALI, INDONESIA

Gorgeous beaches, luxurious villas, wonderful spas, and fantastic restaurants – Bali is the perfect place for a nice weekend getaway. we particularly love the fact that they have plenty of great dining concepts, and most of them are very reasonably-priced. Bali is the mini paradise in South East Asia.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guides on Bali. 

Bangkok, Thailand

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia, Bangkok seems to have it all – cheap shopping, fantastic street food, and good massage. It is not difficult to understand why so many people love to visit Bangkok every year. Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice are calling your name.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guides on Bangkok.

BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay is truly Philippines’ paradise, and it is the best beach in Asia that we have ever stepped foot on – yet. Every morning, we woke up to awe-inspiring views of the White Beach; palm trees swayed and seemingly orchestrated a symphony, azure waters still and calm, sands as white as cotton fluffs, heaven and earth merged. Nothing lingers in the mind more than this picturesque sight, and we could use hours just daydreaming and frolicking by the beach.

Read: 10 reasons why you should visit Boracay at least once in your life.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA

Australia is a highly popular holiday destination, and when you mention about a trip down-under, most people would think of cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast. However, not many know about Darwin in the Northern Territory, which is a real shame because it not only offers a unique experience like no other, but it is also just a four-hour flight away from Singapore.

Read 10 things to do in Darwin, Australia.

HONG KONG

What do we need to say about Hong Kong? From high end shopping for Prada and Gucci to bargain hunting in the Ladies’ Market; to dining in Michelin starred restaurants and local cha chaan ting – Hong Kong is a paradise for food and shopping.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guide on Hong Kong.

GENTING, MALAYSIA

With its cool weather and exciting theme park rides, Genting is a favourite weekend getaway spot for many Singaporeans. For those of you who have never been to the mountain resort, you must make a trip there soon!

Read our Travel Guide on Resorts World Genting.

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA

If you are looking to escape from the busy city life and go somewhere nice for a weekend, here’s why Kota Kinabalu should be on your short list.

The capital of Sabah state in East Malaysia is only two and a half hours away from Singapore, and there, you can either head to Mount Kinabalu for a hiking adventure, or spend a lazy day at the beach at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. Once you reach the beautiful resort, you feel like you just opened the door to paradise. It is without a doubt – the perfect destination for a lazy beach getaway.

Read our feature on Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Mention Taipei and this commonly springs to mind: awesome night markets, kawaii girls, friendly locals, and bubble tea. And the best part is that it is only about five hours away by plane; it is no wonder that so many Singaporeans love to visit Taipei.

Spend the day cafe-hopping in Yong Kang Street – a dining destination, and one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Taipei – and explore the famous night markets in the evening.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guides on Taipei.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

We have always believed that Philippines is Asia’s biggest culinary secret. While other countries have been getting attention for their cuisines, very little has been mentioned about Philippines. Filipinos love to eat, and there are so many good food in the country. Manila, in particular, has many fantastic restaurants and eateries.

Moreover, the city is also rich in culture; you can find strong architectural heritage in churches, forts, and other colonial buildings.

Read our Guide on 10 Things to do in Manila.

PHUKET, THAILAND

When you mention nice beaches in South East Asia, Phuket – Thailand’s largest island at the southern tip – immediately comes to mind. Patong Beach may be the most popular spot in Phuket, but for a quiet and relaxing holiday, head to Sri Panwa Resort. For a nice weekend trip from Singapore, there’s no place like Phuket.

If you are looking to escape from the busy city life and go somewhere nice for a weekend, here’s why Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa should be on your short list.

Kota Kinabalu is only two and a half hours away from Singapore, and once you reach the beautiful resort, you feel like you just opened the door to paradise. It is without a doubt – the perfect destination for a lazy beach getaway.

Everything you need is within the resort, so there is really no need to step out unless you want to visit the sleepy town, or go for a hiking adventure on Mount Kinabalu – the tallest mountain in South-East Asia.

I was toying the idea of going for a hike, but deep down in my heart, I knew that was never going to happen.

F&B options like Shang Palace, Peppino, and Cafe Tutu ensure that you will never go hungry.

The main highlight is surely the Sunset Bar which sits at the edge of the resort and offers a spectacular view of the beautiful sunset.

You can also pamper yourself at Chi, The Spa – a standalone spa village which sits on an island connected to the hotel via a private causeway.

I had a pleasant experience staying in Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort. Given the proximity to Singapore, it is one of my top choices for a quiet weekend getaway.

Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort
20 Jalan Aru Tanjung Aru
88100 Kota Kinabalu, KK, Malaysia
088-327-888

Bring A&W back to Singapore!

Batam is an island in Riau Islands Province of Indonesia. It is located approximately 20km off Singapore, with the ferry journey from Singapore to Batam taking around 45 minutes – the perfect weekend getaway near Singapore.

It is a shame that Batam has been known as the place where dirty old men go in search of sex. To me, Batam is a nice place where you can enjoy fun water sports, fresh seafood, cheap shopping and affordable spa & massages.

Here’s a list of things to do in Batam for a short weekend getaway:

Eat + Shopping + Massage

A&W Fast Food Restaurant

Ever since A&W pulled out from Singapore many years ago, the one in Batam is the nearest option for Singaporeans to satisfy their craving for A&W root beer float, curly fries and ice cream waffle. I love A&W!

Shopping in Nagoya Hill Mall

From what I understand, Nagoya Hill is the biggest shopping mall on the island. You can buy the popular kueh lapis (layer cakes); eat ayam penyet (crispy fried chicken) at Nagoya Hill’s food street; buy Indomie Mi goreng from the hypermarket; and shop around for bargains in the mall.

Cheap Massage in Batam

I highly recommend Isabella Massage House at Nagoya Hills. From the traditional Balinese massage (170,000 rupiah/SGD$25 for 2 hours) to the popular Thai Massage, there are different massage therapies to choose from.

The massage parlour provides free transportation to-and-fro (for the whole day), and I love the fact that they reply email enquiries (info@isabellamassagehouse.com) very promptly.

Cheap and good seafood in Batam

Golden Prawn Seafood Restaurant and Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant are the names that most people mention when you ask them to recommend the best seafood restaurant in Batam.

After massage, we had a seafood feast at Harbour Bay, a stretch of seafood restaurants by the waterfront promenade.

I got a little greedy and over-ordered. Between the three of us, we had mantis prawns, salted egg yolk crabs, black pepper crabs, hotplate tofu, deep-fried spring chicken, chilli stir-fried mussels, and sambal kangkong. Cheap and good seafood. What more can we ask for?

Batam Beach Resort & Water Sports

And of course, you can choose a nice beach resort if you are staying overnight. Water sports facilities can mainly be found on resorts throughout Batam.

What’s there not to like about Batam? It is the ideal place for a short weekend getaway from Singapore.